Broos announces Bafana Afcon Squad

By Benjamin Nyirenda

The moment South Africa has been waiting for has finally come, as Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos made some surprise decisions in his 25-man squad for the Africa Cup of Nations later this month.

There has been a lot of attention on Broos since naming his 54-man preliminary squad for the competition, as he included Mamelodi Sundowns captain Themba Zwane, who got minutes on the pitch over the weekend for the first time since September after recovering from injury.

Broos’ squad was named in Auckland Park, Johannesburg, on Monday and Zwane has been left out of the team.

The squad, to no surprise, is dominated by players from Sundowns and Orlando Pirates. Players from both clubs have played a big role in the team’s success and the coach will be pinning his hopes on them to lead the side to glory in Morocco.

Burnley striker Lyle Foster, meanwhile, gets to feature in the final squad this time round after missing out on the last AFCON due to concerns over his mental health.

Shandre Campbell and Tylon Smith feature in the squad for the first time.

CAF allows national teams to have up to four addition players to the 23-man squad, as they will provide cover for any injuries that may occur. Broos has named a 25-man squad, including the extra two who are at the expense of SAFA.

Bafana are in Group B with Angola, Zimbabwe and Egypt. Their opening match will be against Angola on December 22.

SAFA have confirmed that Mduduzi Shabalala, Iqraam Rayners and Thabo Moloisane are on standby.

Full Squad

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Sipho Chaine, Ricardo Goss

Defenders: Khuliso Mudau, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Aubrey Modiba, Samukelo Kabini, Thabang Matuludi, Siyabonga Ngezana, Khulumane Ndamane, Tylon Smith

Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Thalente Mbatha, Sphephelo Sithole, Bathusi Aubaas

Forwards: Evidence Makgopa, Lyle Foster, Relebohile Mofokeng, Mohau Nkota, Sipho Mbule, Tshepang Moremi, Oswin Appollis, Elias Mokwana, Shandre Campbell